Derek Saar
Lake Elmo,MN
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Data Strategy & Planning
Fuse Fundraising
02.2025 - Current
- Supporting client account teams by driving strategic recommendations through audience segmentation and back-end analytics.
- Spearhead client budgets and performance projections and maintain budget reforecasts and budget vs. actuals reporting.
- Produce and present performance reporting to clients and stakeholders.
- Assist senior leaders with File Health analytics and presentation of findings.
- Manage data selections, audience segmentation and acquisition list planning across client portfolio.
- Perform ad hoc analytics projects to support client account teams.
Director, Fundraising Strategies
Fuse Fundraising
06.2023 - 02.2025
- Built and maintained strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs and delivering tailored strategic solutions.
- Monitored and evaluated effectiveness of fundraising strategies through continual analysis and made data-driven recommendations for improvements.
- Conducted detailed data analysis to identify trends, patterns and opportunities for fundraising efforts.
- Prepared and presented strategic plans, analytic reports and proposals to clients and program stakeholders.
Senior Manager, Fundraising Strategies
Fuse Fundraising
05.2021 - 06.2023
- Played a major role in the execution of clients fundraising efforts. Including, but not limited to: development of strategy briefs and test plans, monitoring budget adherence, management of copy and creative development, and executing audience selections.
- Supported account leads with budget management and reforecasting as well as analytical reporting from campaign performance reports to budget vs. actuals tracking.
- Assisted with meeting preparation and preparing agendas and materials.
Associate Director, Direct Mail Client Services
ForwardPMX
03.2020 - 05.2021
- Served as an expert in Direct Mail list planning and providing impactful insights as a key liaison with client contacts. Spearheaded performance reporting deliverables and was responsible for campaign and longer term strategic deliverables to grow clients' Direct Mail programs.
Manager, Direct Mail Client Services
ForwardPMX
07.2018 - 03.2020
- Led the development of Direct Mail campaigns. Analyzed program performance within Direct Mail and provided growth opportunities for clients. Was a strategic partner for clients by engaging with industry vendors and providing trusted insights and opportunities to enhance Direct Mail acquisition and retention efforts.
Associate Manager, Direct Mail Client Services
ForwardPMX
10.2016 - 07.2018
- Ensured strategic, logistical and timely execution of Direct Mail campaigns for clients. Managed internal relationships with media procurement, analytics and merge/purge teams. Maintained and fostered client relationships as the day-to-day contact for clients and agency partners providing consistent and insightful deliverables.
Region Coordinator
Novus Media Inc.
01.2015 - 10.2016
- Liaison between client teams and publishers placing print media ads. Ensured flawless execution of ad placements and negotiated with publication representatives on behalf of clients.
Education
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Mass Communication
St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud, MN05-2014
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Political Science
St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud, MN05-2014
Skills
- Microsoft Office Products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc)
- Analytical skills and critical thinking
- Interpersonal communication skills, verbal and written
- Organization and multi-tasking
- Customer Service
Timeline
Director, Data Strategy & Planning
Fuse Fundraising
02.2025 - Current
Director, Fundraising Strategies
Fuse Fundraising
06.2023 - 02.2025
Senior Manager, Fundraising Strategies
Fuse Fundraising
05.2021 - 06.2023
Associate Director, Direct Mail Client Services
ForwardPMX
03.2020 - 05.2021
Manager, Direct Mail Client Services
ForwardPMX
07.2018 - 03.2020
Associate Manager, Direct Mail Client Services
ForwardPMX
10.2016 - 07.2018
Region Coordinator
Novus Media Inc.
01.2015 - 10.2016
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Mass Communication
St. Cloud State University
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Political Science
St. Cloud State University
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